A huge solar flare just erupted from the surface of the sun, and NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory was able to capture the action as it peaked on Sunday. The SDO watches the sun constantly, and recently captured a large solar flare identified as an X8.2 class.

Solar flares are divided into three categories based on class. There’s the C class, which is the weakest, followed by M which is 10 times larger than Cs, and X, which is 10 times larger than Ms. X-class flares are the most intense solar flares, and the fact that it was an 8.2 means it was even more intense – and X2, for example, is twice as strong as an X1, whereas an X3 is three times as strong, and so on.

These powerful bursts of radiation send super-charged particles racing toward the Earth, causing geomagnetic storms than can knock out power grids and satellites, while also producing spectacular natural displays known as the Northern and Southern Lights.

“An X8.2 X-Ray flare (R3-Strong radio blackout) occurred on 10 September at 1606 UTC (12:06 ET),” NASA said on its website. “The source region was Region 2673, now located just around the visible disk. This R3 event produced a rapid increase in relativistic proton levels which are currently above the S3 (Strong) threshold. There was also an associated CME from this event. While a fast event, the CME was off the Sun-Earth line and is not expected to produce notable geoeffective impacts. Keep checking our SWPC webpage for the latest information and updates.”